Face coverings to continue to help keep Wales safe
Ministers have confirmed face coverings will continue to play an important role in helping keep us all safe from coronavirus in Wales.
As the Welsh Government prepares to publish an updated Coronavirus Control Plan, setting out what will happen beyond alert level one, face coverings will continue to be required in certain settings, such as public transport and taxis, and health and social care, as a minimum, while coronavirus remains a public health threat.
Active further consideration is being given to whether face coverings should also be required in other settings, such as retail, if restrictions are relaxed further.
Wales is currently at alert level one – face coverings are mandatory in all indoor public places at alert level one and above.
Ministers will hold the regular 21-day review of the coronavirus regulations this week, which will set out whether restrictions can be relaxed in some indoor places, including people’s homes.
They will also publish new plans setting out how Wales will move beyond alert level one to a new alert level zero, with fewer legal restrictions.
But Ministers confirmed face coverings will continue to be required by law in some places while coronavirus remains a public health threat.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said:
“We will need everyone’s help to keep coronavirus under control as we continue to respond to the pandemic – this virus has quite certainly not gone away.
"We know many people are still worried and anxious about going out. We will maintain the requirement to wear face coverings in certain places – on public transport and health and social care settings, and others where necessary – to help keep us all safe.”
Scientific evidence supports the use of face coverings, alongside other measures, as a way of reducing the transmission of the virus.
They largely protect other people, rather than the wearer, against the spread of infection because they cover the nose and mouth, which are the main sources of transmission of virus. They are particularly useful in busy or crowded, indoor and poorly-ventilated areas.
Public transport vehicles are usually enclosed spaces. If a train or bus is crowded it may not be possible for people to choose not to get on as it could be their only route to work.
Health and social care settings can be high risk environments where sick patients and staff could be at increased risk of exposure to the virus. Wearing face coverings in these areas can help protect others.
The rules on face masks will also be changing in schools.
We all have a duty to help to protect each other. Keeping everyone safe has been the Welsh Government’s priority through the pandemic and will continue to be the priority in future.
The First Minister will make a statement to Plenary on Wednesday setting out the outcome of the 21-day review and providing further details on the new alert level zero.
Read the announcement in full on Gov.Wales.
Reminder for businesses:
Please ensure that you are aware of and following the updated UKHospitality Wales Guidance in addition to the Guidance for Tourism and Hospitality businesses. (Please watch this short film to help you find your way around the guidance).
As each premises is different, businesses should read all guidance to understand the measures to be considered to operate the business safely.
Useful COVID-19 information
As each premises is different, businesses should read all guidance. This continues to be updated so please check back regularly for the latest information.
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Stay up to date with tourism industry news
We are committed to providing the support and assurance the business community needs during these unprecedented difficult times and have issued several Coronavirus (COVID-19) related bulletins which can be found on the Tourism Industry Coronavirus (COVID-19) Bulletins page.
Business Wales is providing businesses with tailored support and advice about dealing with coronavirus, from financial and supply chain planning to advice on staffing issues. We would advise Tourism businesses and stakeholders in Wales wanting specific guidance to visit the Business Wales website or call Business Wales helpline on 03000 6 03000, and to regularly visit the Public Health Wales website for up-to-date public health information for you, your staff and your visitors.
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